In a display of camp pageantry worthy of the old glbt Hero and Devotion party shows or Miss Mole's Oscars, homophobic fundamentalist preacher Brian Tamaki has elevated himself to the status of Bishop. The Maori Queen was a last minute no-show but an estimated 3,000 Destiny acolytes, primarily Maori and dressed up to the nines last night parted with up to $70 a head to attend, make donations (eftpos available), hear a choir and rock band, see a video message from Tamaki Mentor, USA fundamentalist ‘Bishop' Eddie Long and witness wife Hannah Tamaki's makeover into a bling-bedecked blonde. Tamaki accepted his elevation with a beatific smile, was anointed with oil and donned an elaborate feathered cloak and koru-inspired Bishop's crook. Pictures of the spectacle beamed out live over the internet showed a biblical haka, family photos and videos accompanied by stirring trumpet music. Quick as a flash a $25 video of the ordination was available at the event's merchandise stall, along with Destiny emblazoned umbrellas, t-shirts, umbrellas and signed posters of Tamaki clad in a tunic and brandishing a broadsword. The Destiny gift shop at its national Mt Wellington, Auckland, headquarters complex has been doing a roaring trade in commemorative bibles at around $100 a head. The event marked the seventh anniversary of the founding of Destiny Church, in Rotorua, by ex-forestry worker Tamaki and was accompanied by the launch of puppet political party Destiny NZ's campaign for parliament, the launch of an over-the-top Bishop Tamaki website and the launch of the church's own line of clothing, labeled Destiny Man. Tamaki embarks on a national tour in support of the election campaign this week.